From Mishawaka, Indiana, approximately 15 miles from where I live.

At approximately 1:00am on Saturday morning, Mishawaka police recieved a complaint of a man who had fired a gun inside of a home during an argument over a necklace he had just stolen from an acquaintance. By the time officers got to the home, the suspect had fled the scene, but witnesses saw where ehe went and directed officers there. Corporal Tom Roberts and Patrolman Bryan Verkler went to the home where they encountered the suspect, Raymond Gilkeson. It is unclear what exactly happened, but within seconds or minutes shots were fired.

Corporal Roberts was killed. Patrolman Verkler died approximately 3 hours later in surgery.

Gilkeson was wounded, and fled to another house, which he entered and sat at the kitchen table. Gilkeson told the residents to leave, and as they exited they watched as Gilkeson shot himself once in the head.

Corporal Roberts, a 14 year veteran, is survived by his ex-wife and two adult daughters. Patrolman Verkler, a 2 year veteran, is survived by his wife.

Think of my brothers this holiday season, and remember them the next time you see a police officer in your town. We face this possibility every day. We do it for you.

A real tragedy for all concerned. Especially scary as my niece will soon be married to to a rookie on the Mishawaka force. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the officers families.

It is the simple sounding calls and the normal traffic stops that turn to tragedy so quickly...My thoughts and prayers are with these families as well as all the other brave officers that put on the uniform everyday to protect us all...
Ruthie

My great-grandparents lived in Mishawaka for many years.

Sending along my thoughts and prayers to these families.

Being a retired police officer I know exactly what Mike is saying. All of us should take just one minute a day and remember the men and women of the police and fire services everywhere who put their lives on the line everyday. Many of us have a choice of staying away from danger. These men and women are sent into those situations on a daily basis. OUr thought and prayers will be with the families of those two men.

My father-in-law served with the Michigan State Police for 25 years!

Our hearts and prayers are with the families during this most difficult time!

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the fallen policemen. May God sustain them as they try to sort out this tragedy.
God Bless All those who take an oath to Protect and Serve.

"In the line of duty" deaths are a very sad thing to experience for all those involved.

They say time heals all wounds, but that isn't so. Many may forget, but some never will. Look into the eyes of the family that lost a loved one and you'll see what I mean.

Many give their sympathies and try to help when something like this happens. It is an honorable thing to do, but few are there for the long run.

Why is it you have to die to be considered a hero? I consider every police officer, fireman, and member of our Armed Forces as heroes just for doing what they do. It's a thankless job in most cases. You make a commitment to do the job, and you do it. Sometimes your commitment costs you your life.

I have lost many friends throughout my thirty-one years of fighting crime. Some were closer than others, but I still think of them all. My deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of Corporal Roberts and Patrolman Verkler.

Bob M.

As if this Mishawaka incident weren't enough, our community lost another hero this week.

Indiana State Police trooper Scott A. Patrick, 27, was shot and killed on Monday morning as he approached what he thought was s atranded motorist on an exit ramp of I-80 near Gary. As Trooper Patrick approached the driver, who was walking away, the subject drew a .40 cal pistol and opened fire on Trooper Patrick without warning. Trooper Patrick was able to return fire, but he was struck once in the neck and died at the scene.

Another Trooper resopnded quickly, and shot the suspect, who was taken to a hospital and was charged with murder today.

Trooper Patrick served ISP for 3 years. He is survived by his wife, who just found out that she is pregnant with the couple's first child. Trooper Patrick will be laid to rest two days after Christmas.

How terrible. That recent one in Gary really tore out my heart. My prayers are with these families.